The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a homicide that occurred on June 1, 2026, in Fernley, Nevada.

Authorities have identified the victim as 45-year-old Fernley resident Richard Allen Hightower.

According to investigators, the incident prompted a rapid and coordinated law enforcement response across Lyon County after reports of a shooting. Deputies arrived at the scene and located the victim, who was later pronounced deceased as a result of his injuries.

Investigators identified 40-year-old Jeremy Barrett as the suspected shooter and 44-year-old James Edward Karol as an involved suspect. Both individuals were taken into custody shortly after the incident and have been charged with Open Murder. Officials confirmed that both suspects are being held in the Lyon County Jail without bail.

Authorities said the response to the incident involved multiple divisions within the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, including patrol deputies, investigators, the Special Investigations Unit, Major Crimes Unit, K9 Unit, SWAT Team, detention staff, and administrative personnel. Emergency Services and partner agencies also assisted during the operation.

Officials credited the coordinated effort for the swift identification and arrest of the suspects within hours of the initial call for service.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as it becomes available. Detectives are continuing to review evidence and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.